swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswe-liŋ 

1

: something that is swollen

specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

2

: the condition of being swollen

Synonyms of swelling

• lump
• bruise
• bump
• nodule
• node

Examples of swelling in a Sentence

There was a swelling above her eye.

The swelling around her eye should subside in a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

While most recover, some — particularly young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even death. — Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026

While most recover, some — including young babies, pregnant people and those with weak immune systems — are at higher risk of developing dangerous complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness or even dying. — Devi Shastri, Fortune, 20 June 2026

The swelling was significant, the bruising startling and the healing process appeared long and painful. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026

Surgery can cause bleeding, swelling, infection or tissue damage. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for swelling

• belling
• celling
• dwelling
• fehling
• felling
• gelling
• pelling
• quelling
• selling
• shelling
• smelling
• spelling

Kids Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing

ˈswel-iŋ

1

: something that is swollen

especially : a swollen part of the body

2

: the condition of being swollen

Medical Definition

swelling

noun

swell·​ing ˈswel-iŋ- 

: an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement

an inflammatory swelling